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Unlike typical placements on Injured Reserve, this doesn’t end Merriman’s season, and it doesn’t preserve Merriman’s rights with the team for the year. Quite the opposite, in fact — once healthy, the Chargers must release Merriman, and Merriman is free to sign with any team, even this season.

So, for all intents and purposes, the Chargers just released Shawne Merriman; he just needs to be healthy before he can sign with another team.

A three-time Pro Bowler and All Pro, Merriman’s production has tapered since suffering a knee injury in 2008. He’s been hindered by knee, foot, and calf injuries since, only registering four sacks in the past two seasons.

Elvis Dumervil is out for the season. Robert Ayers is out for six weeks. One’s knee-jerk reaction is to bring in the once-pass rush specialist to aid the Broncos’ defense. But he comes with baggage: the looming threat of suspension (for both PEDs and personal conduct), his injury history, his decision to holdout this summer, and his recent lack of production. What say ye, Broncos fans — is Merriman worth the risk?

chrislynch

That is an interesting proposition. I for one believe Mer-ROID is all but done with his career. I just hate signing old, used up players.

Roy

He really isn't that old, he's 26. Is he used up? Maybe. I think he would be willing to sign a “prove-it” type of contract for the opportunity to stick it to San Diego. At the very least, the Broncs should perorm their due diligence and work him out.

awesome, austin

A prove it contract is perfect for him…think it would be better than a 3 rd string guy that we are currently down to.

Katch22

I say do it! What's the worst we have to lose????

http://twitter.com/dxmanning Joshua Manning

HELL NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gary_in_SD

I say the switch has been flipped for good on Lights Out! Enjoy your last couple of seasons in Cleveland or maybe even Oakland, but don't expect Dancing With the Stars to coming knocking anytime soon. We've all seen your moves on the field and they're lame!

crazykid

?

crazykid

oh haha i just got it. nice haha!

anthony33

HELL YEEEEEES… even with everything mentioned, he would still hit the field as our second best LD with Ayers out. Why not.

Look at the year LT is having… the ole 'chip in your shoulder' is a powerful thing. We need a nasty SOB back there. Hey, we're deparate here in case you haven't noticed. Anything is worth a shot at this point and we still play the Chargers twice… if that's the only place he would help so be it.

Sojuwar

I say “go for it”….for help this year, and Merriman, Ayers, Doom next year sounds exciting to me!!

coskibum

“But he comes with baggage: the looming threat of suspension (for both PEDs and personal conduct), his injury history, his decision to holdout this summer, and his recent lack of production. What say ye, Broncos fans — is Merriman worth the risk?”

This sound right up McNuggets alley! I say bring him on, because G@d knows we need all the help we can get…

dogheadbrew

Will signing Merriman definitively put us in playoff contention this year?

He didn't hold out so that he could get a bottom-rung prove-it contract. Furthermore, putting tape, whether it's duct or scotch, on our D will not help us. We have to fix the problems from the inside.

http://twitter.com/sodahawk kd

bring him in i guess maybe this should b a poll

Kawike

Its worth a shot. Our two starting outside linebackers are out. At the very least, he could provide some extra knowledge for recognizing the different plays and sets that the Chargers run frequently. Kinda like the Colts do with one of the Broncos' players every single year (Brandstater).

john616

At least take a look at him. However, until we get a coaching staff the realizes that you build a defense (and offense) starting with the DL (or OL as the case may be), we won't get anywhere. Broncos need the biggest, baddest SOBs they can find to play on the lines. That would make everyone else look better.

LevonZevon

A “prove-it” contract sounds good to me (and Denver could use his physicality).

Plus, to stick it to AJ Smith: there's no place better than Denver. And, if he proves resilient-to-injury without the 'roids, he could play some ILB on passing-downs and start over Elvis on running-downs on the outside in 2011 (where Merriman would stand up better against blockers and keep Doom fresher for the fourth quarter).

With DJ and Merriman and Doom and Ayers, McD and Martindale could have some real versatile LB's (who can all blitz on passing-downs).

But all that depends on his physical and, if cleared, his price-tag (so I'm probably getting ahead of things).

john616

At least take a look at him. However, until we get a coaching staff the realizes that you build a defense (and offense) starting with the DL (or OL as the case may be), we won't get anywhere. Broncos need the biggest, baddest SOBs they can find to play on the lines. That would make everyone else look better.

LevonZevon

A “prove-it” contract sounds good to me (and Denver could use his physicality).

Plus, to stick it to AJ Smith: there's no place better than Denver. And, if he proves resilient-to-injury without the 'roids, he could play some ILB on passing-downs and start over Elvis on running-downs on the outside in 2011 (where Merriman would stand up better against blockers and keep Doom fresher for the fourth quarter).

With DJ and Merriman and Doom and Ayers, McD and Martindale could have some real versatile LB's (who can all blitz on passing-downs).

But all that depends on his physical and, if cleared, his price-tag (so I'm probably getting ahead of things).